mccarthy



FQMcCARTHY.

APPARATUS FOR ENVELOPING MAILING MATTER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. II. 19113.

Patented June 3, 1919.

5 SHEEYS-SHEET I.

INVENTOR Arro fi ns.

F. McCAHTHY.

APPARATUS FOR ENVELOPING MAILING MATTER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. ll. RBIB Patented June 3, 1919.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2 1 /3 A T TOZNE Y8 F. McCARTHY. APPARATUS FOR ENVELOHNG MMLING MATTER APPLICATION FILED MAR. H. 1918.

Patented June 3, 1919.

6 SHEETS- SHEET 4 F. McCARTHY.

APPARATUS FOR ENVELOPING MAILING MATTER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I1. 1918.

1,305,390. Patented J nne 3, 1919.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5- ,41/ A TTORNE Y8 F. McCABTHY.

APPARATUS FOR ENVELOPING MAILING MATTER.

APPLICMIDN FILED MAR. I!

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FLORENCE MUCARTHY, OF'NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNbR 0F ONE-HALF TO JEROME WILE, OF NEWYORK, N. Y.

ArPA'RA'rUs ronnnvnmriiv'MAILiNe-MATTER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented'Jnne 3, 1919.

"Application filt'li Martian, 191a. SrialNd. 21,614.

To all ii /mm if may roar-(rm:

Be it known that I. I LmmNce-Mc-(narm, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the borough of Manhattan, in the city of New York "county and State' ofNew York, have invented certain new and'ti'seful Improvements in Apparatus-for"Envelopling Mailing-Matter. of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to an apparatus for the opening of envelops, the inserting of circular matter Within envelops. andthe subsequent moving of the flap of the envelop to a closed position.

An object of the invention is to construct an apparatus whereby a large number of cnvelops with the desired contents',snch as printed matter or the like, can be readily filled with a small outlay of labor and in a short period of time.

According to my invention there is provided a machine or apparatus wherein an envelop can be taken from a st'ackpf envelope, wherein the flap of the envelop thus removed can be automatically moved to open position and wherein the envelop e'an befpositioned to receive the desired contents, wherein the contents required in thatpartilinlarenvelop can he ieniovedfrOm a stack and can be inserted in the envelop, and wherein the envelop and its contents can he subsequently moved to a position where the flap of the envelop will be inovedto' the desired closed position and the contentsof the envelop will be pushed fartherinto the envelop if not sufliciently therein'for the mailing of the envelop.

The invention relates to the features above referred to as well as to other features hereinafterfnlly described and clearly set forth in the appended claims.

As showing a specific embodiment ofthe invention reference is made to the acfcom panying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which drawings,

Figure 1 is an end view of a machine for removing envelope one at a time from'the bottom of a stack of horizontally arranged envelope and for feeding each envelop to a'position for receiving its contents, and for removing a piece or batch'of circillar matter, one piece or batch at a time; from the bottom of a stack of horizontally arranged circular Iiiatter and for feeding or inserting a piece or batch of circular matter into the envelop when in position to receive its contents, "for thereafter convej'ving the envelop with its contents to a place where the flap of the e nvelop is positioned, and finally": delivering the envelop with the contents from the inachine.

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section through the machine and is a view taken as on the plane indicated by the line 2-2 of ig. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows. In Fig. 2 there is shown a storage magazine 'ior'the' envelops,at theleft of themachine, and a storage magazine for the circular matter, at the right of the machine. In this figure there is also shown in section means for feeding the envelops transversely to the right and to aposition for receiving the contents, and a nieans for feeding the circular matter to the left and for cansingthecircular matter to be inserted in the envelop when the envelop is in positlon to receive the circular matter. Each of the feeding'n'ieans just referred to has endless bolts that serve to effect the feeding function. There is also shown in section means that supports the envelop when in the position for receiving the contents and also means for transferring the envelop in a' longitudinaldirection to where it receives the contents.

Fig; 3 is a plan view of the machine with parts thereof broken away. In this view a pan of each magazine has been removed and also a part ofthe mechanism that transfers the envelope to receiving position, and also a part of the associaled mechanism that transfersthe circular matter to and inserts itiri the envelop. In this figure there is also shown in plan ahorn and horizontally and longitudinally moving belts. The cooperating portions of these beltsgradually approach each other in passing toward the delivery end of the machine. The are cons'trli'cted so that they can conve an envelop when supplied with; its contents from its receiving position, so'that they can cooperate to convey the envelo as a whole horizontally and longitudinaly ofithe machine, so that the flap portion of the body of the envelop and the-flap of the envelop pass longitlidinallyto, along and through the horn, the horn bein shaped so as to cause the flap to'be tucked into the envelop as the envelop passes along and through the horn. In this figure it will be observed that the feeding mechanisms which include the several continuous belts are all operated by gearing from a common shaft.

Fig. 4 is a vertical elevation of the left hand side of the machine looking in the direction of the arrow A of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing in part a vertical transverse section and in part a longitudinal side view, with portions of the machine broken away, of the horn portion of the apparatus or machine. This view illustrates the manner in which the flap is bent or folded so that it is tucked into the envelop as the upper portion of the envelop moves along and through the horn. A portion of an envelop passing along the horn is indicated by broken and dotted lines in this figure, while the rest of the envelop and its contents is shown by the full lines.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view taken as on the plane indicated by the line 66 of Figs. 3, 4 and 5. In said Fig. 6 there is indicated a rib or projection that engages the face or front of the envelop so as to place a bend in the envelop and contents in a manner to effect a separation between the inner side of the back of the envelop and the contents within the envelop, thus making an opening within which the flap readily enters as it is caused to do so by the horn.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the belt construction at the delivery end of the machine.

Figs. 8 to 1 1 illustrate some of the different stages that each envelop and each piece or batch of circular matter passes through from the time each leaves its respective stack until the circular matter is inserted into the envclo and until the envelop is delivered from t e position where it received the circular matter.

In Fig. 8 there is shown the position of the envelop and the parts thereof when the envelop is receivin the circular matter. In this figure it will e noted that the envelop is not in engagement with the longitudinally movin belts which are arranged on opposite si es of the envelop.

Fig. 9 shows the osition which the envelop occu ies after it has received its contents. In t is figure it will be noted that the lower vertically extending portion of the envelop has been pushed transversely and to the right, by a pushing mechanism, or mechanism provided for this purpose, against a longitudinally moving belt and in this manner the envelop is moved edgewise in a longitudinal horizontal direction from its receivin position. The envelop is held against the longitudinal belt 41 by the pushing mechanism until the envelop is engaged at the op osite sides thereof the two belts 41 and 4 whichbelts, it wil be observed from an inspection of Fig. 8, gradually approach each other in assing toward the delivery end of the mac line.

In Fig. 10 there is shown an envelop as it is being transferred longitudinally and horizontally away from receivin position by the coaction of the two longitudinally travel ing belts, and in this figure it will be observed the pushing mechanism has been returned to its normal position-the position shown in Fig. 8 as well as in Fig. 10. When the filled envelop occupies the position shown in Fig. 10 an envelop to be filled is being brought into position as is indicated in said figure.

Fig. 11 shows an envelop at the bottom of the stack immediately after it is released by a controlling dog or feeding pawl and as it is being moved forwardly and transversely to the right by the continuous belt of the envelop feeding means.

Fig. 12 shows the envelop somewhat farther removed from its previous position al the bottom of the stack.

Fig. 13 shows the position of the envelop parts as the envelop is about to leave the stack of envelops or the magazine holding them. In this Fig. 13 it will be noted that the body of the envelop is traveling in a path which extends to the right but is inclined slightly downwardly, while the rear flap portion of the envelop engages the last envelop left in the stack or the bottom of the controlling do or feeding pawl of the magazine and is t us retained against upward movement. At the same time the envelop is pressed upwardly along a line adjacent to the rear Ha edge and with this application of force here is made a curve in the bend in the body of the envelop. The flap of the envelop is free, however, to extend substantially horizontally, which it does. In this manner the body of the en velop is caused to move away from the flap as the envelop is conveyed from the stack, all of which is clearly indicated in Fig. 13. I11 Fi 13 there is also indicated a guide construction that causes the body of the envelop to move along the path just referred to.

Fig. 14 is a lan view of the mechanism for conveying t e envelops transversely and to the ri ht. In this view there will be seen the guide members which retain the envelops in place on the travelins. belt of the feeding mechanism and it will be noted that these guide members are shaped so as to enter the space between the body of the envelop and the underside of the flap where by as the envelop continues its forward movement the flap will be gradually moved upwardly and rearwardly until the envelop is o ened.

e frame of the machine has vertically and transversely extending plates 1 and 2, which may be referred to as spaced end plates, that are connected by longitudinally and vertically extending plates 3 and l, which may be referred to respectively as a right hand side plate and a left hand side Jlate. Each of the end plates has at the right and left hand sides thereof upwardly extending portions, as 1*, 1", 2, 2*. Between these upwardly extending portions at the right hand side of the machine there is provided a storage magazine C wherein circular matter is stacked preparatory to being used and between these upright portions at the left hand side of the machine there is provided a storage magazine E wherein envelops are stacked preparatory to being used. The envelops and also the circular matter in each magazine extend horizon tally. The envelops are positioned in thrmagaziue by a vertically and longitudinally extending stop 5 and by a vertically and transversely extending stop 6. The circular matter is positioned in the magazine by a vertically and longitudinally extending. stop 7 and by a vertically and transversely extending stop 8.

The bottom of each magazine is defined, at least to a certain extent by the trans versely and longitudinally, and substantially horizontally, extending plates 9 and 10. The vertically extending stop 5 is adjusted transversely of the machine by means of screw 11, the vertically extending stop 7 is adjusted transversely of the machine by means of screw 12, the vertically extending stop 6 is adjusted longitudinally of the machine by means of screw 13 and the vertically extending stop 8 is adjusted longitudinally of the machine by means of screw 14. By means of the several screws and stops the envelops and the circular matter can be properly positioned in each magazine preparatory to being used in the machine.

At the lower forward portion of the magazine E-that is at the lower right hand portion of the magazine Ethere is a controlling dog, or feeding pawl as it may be called, 15 which is automatically and periodically operated as will hereinafter appear. The function of this dog or pawl is to release the envelop at the bottom of the stack whereby the released envelops can be fed forwardly in a transverse direction into the machine. A similar controlling dog or feeding pawl 16 is provided at the lower forward portion of the magazine Cthat is at the lower left hand portion of the 1nagazineC-whereby when released a piece or batch of circular matter at the bottom of the magazine will be fed forwardly in a transverse direction into the machine. The feeding means for the envelop is designated by 17 and the feeding means for the circular matter is designated by 18. The envelop feeding means 17, as it may be called, has a large pulley 19 and a small pulley 20 over and along the face of which pulleys a continuous belt, as 21, travels, as the pulleys are continuously rotated. ()ne of these pulleys, to wit pulley 20, is a driven pulley. The circular matter feeding means 18, as it may be called. has a similar construction that includes a large pulley 2:2, 21 small pulley 23 and continuous belt 24'. The pulley 20 of the envelop feeding means 17 has connected thereto, either directly or indirectly, a gear 25 which meshes with a gear 26 that is either directly or indirectly coir nccted to the pulley 23 whereby the envelop feeding means and the circular matter feeding means will move in unison. Power for the machine is supplied in any suitable manner, as by means of hand-operated gear H that is in mesh with the gear 26. The pulleys of these two sets of feeding means 17 and 18 are carried on suitable shafting, as 19, 20, 22* and 23 mounted in suitable bearings, as 19 and 22", provided either in or on the spaced end plates 1 and 2.

in Fig. 1 it will he observed that the bear ings for the large pulleys are in the form of slidable blocks adj ustably mounted on the spaced end plates by screws 27 and By means of these screws the desired tension can be maintained on the endless belts, even though they become stretched in use. T he pulley 19 has thereupon a pin or stop 2 which can be employed to perform two functions. One of these functions being to cause an operation of a pressing or pushing mechanism that is employed in effecting a longitudinal movement of the envelop from the position where it receives the circular matter. The construction of this mechanism and the function of the stop or pin .29 will be subsequently described more in detail. The other function of the pin or stop 29 is to move in engagement with an arm 30 connected to a shaft 31 which is also in turn connected to the controlling (log or feeding pawl 15. Shaft 31 is carried in suitable bearings, as $32, which are mounted on the frame of the magazineE. The arm 30 is held in its normal position by a tension spring 33 whereby the dog or pawl 15 normally occupies the position shown in Fig. 2. When the machine is operating the pulleys of the envelop feeding means and of the circular matter feeding means operate in the direction indicated by the arrows. It will therefore be seen that each time the pulley 19 makes a revolution the stop associated therewith moves the arm 30 to the right away from its normal position in a manner to position the dog or .pawl 15 as shown in Fig. 11. 'This will effect a release of the envelop at the bottom of the stack. However, before the envelop is entirely away from the stackand in fact shortly after the envelop has started to move from itsprevious position at the bottom of the lll) stackthe stop 29 disengages the arm 30 and the spring restores the arm 30 and its connected pawl 15 to normal position, as shown for example in Figs. 2 and 12. The continuous belt 21 preferably has a rubber face or is of suitable material to convey the envelop released from the bottom of the stack forwardly and toward the right; or in other words in a transverse direction from the stack along a slightly declined path. The envelops are placed in the magazine in such a manner that the flap of the envelop is uppermost and the flap portion of the en velop is farthest from the dog or pawl, that is. from the front side of the magazine.

It will here be noted that the envelop may be referred to as having a front and a back, the front being that portion upon which the address is written, whereas the back is the portion where the seams or overlaps of the envelop are located. The movable part which would ultimately constitute a part of the back of an envelop, if sealed, is referred to as the flap, the flap portion is intended to designate the part adjacent to the flap and with which the flap is connected. The envelop may also be considered to have a body portionwhich includes all but the flapand a flap.

In the drawings the flap is designated by F, the end of the flap is designated by G, the flap portion is designated by FP, the closed lon edge of the envelop is designated by (53, the body portion is designated by B, the front (or face) of the envelop is designated by X and the back of the envelop is designated by Y.

The envelop as conveyed from the stack successively assumes the position shown in Figs. 11, 12 and 13. In the last mentioned figure it will be observed that the body portion B of the envelo extends forwardly and downwardly, that t e back or flap edge f of the envelop engages the underside of the dog or pawl 15 and that the curved portion 21 of the conveying belt 21 extends slightly above the plane passing through the lower forward portion a of the envelop on the one hand and the under side of the dog or pawl on the other hand and in this way effects an upward pressure against the under side of the envelop along a line between the forward edge a of the envelop and the rear flap edge 7 of the envelop. With the pressure thus applied the free edge of the flap of the envelop will be away from the body of the envelop, as shown in Fig. 13.

As the envelop travels along the slightly declined path the body of the envelop is maintained in engagement with the top conveying surface of the belt by means of the guide construction shown in section in Fig. 2. This guide construction preferably comprises two guide members 34 and 35. These members are shaped so as to be engaged by the under side of the flap as the envelop moves forwardly under the guide members whereby the flap will be moved upwardly and backwardly as the envelop travels transversely in a forward direction away from the magazine. The movement of the envelop along the declined path has herein been sometimes referred to as moving substantially along a substantially horizontal path because the inclination is not necessarily very great. These guide members are pivotally mounted at 34 and 35 upon the spaced end plates 1 and 2 and are spring pressed to normal position by. means of springs 34" and 35, respectively, which are secured in place as by clips 36. The portions of the guide members thus engaged by the flaps are designated by J7. Zach guide member 34, 35 has an upwardly and rearwardly extending portion y for insuring the outer forward ends of each envelop passing into the space between the guide members and the endless belt whereby the envelop will be sure to be conveyed by means of the belt below the guide members and thus effect the opening of the envelop by the turning of the flap back, as above described.

The forward lower edge portion of each guide member 34 and 35 is bent forwardly and downwardly so that the envelop, as it continues its travel, will take a downward path. There extends into the space between the belts of the two feeding means 17 and 18 a guide member, or stripper as it ma be called, 37. This stripper extends longitudinally of the machine and has an upwardly and rearwardly extending lip 38 that approaches the upper surface 21 of the endless conveying belt 21. The function of this stripper is to lift or remove the envelop from its belt and in the continued movement of the envelop about the periphery of the pulley 20 the envelop passes through the space between the lip 38 and the curved guide portion of the stripper over which the envelop travels on the one hand and the lower forward depending edge of the guide members 34 and 35 on the other hand. There is, however, a suflicient bite or grip of the endless belt on the portions of the envelop which are at the rear of the lip 38 to insure conveying of the envelop until it strikes a stop 39 that is provided in the bottom of a trough 40 that holds the envelop in the po sition which it occupies when receiving the circular matter.

'When in this osition, as is apparent from an inspection of Fig. 10, it will be observed that the body portion B of the envelop extends vertically and longitudinally, while the flap F of the envelop is bent backwardly and is held in this position by the lower forward edges of the guide members 34: and 35. The holding of the flap in this position causes the upright back Y of the envelop to be placed a slight distance from the upright frontX of the envelop and when the envelop is in this position it can receive the circular matter to be inserted therein.

It will here-be remarked that when the envelop is in this position, preparatory to and during the time that itis receiving the circular matter, the longitudinally extending bolts 41 and 42 which continuously travel did) not engage the envelop and thereafter the wa e-lop can remain in said position until. itvrecei-vesthecircular matteri At the proper! time aastop or-p.in 43 that is connected to the pulley 22 of the circular matter feeding aneanslS comes into engagement with an-ar1nn44 that is connected to a shaft 45Jcarrying the dhgor pawl 16 and causes a =release ofa piece or bunch of circular mattifltll'at lSm be inserted in the envelop. The desiredcircnlar matter is then conveyed forwaa'dly-andlto the left, that is in a transverse direction away from the magazine, by means of; the endless belt 24. 'llho circular matter is held in engagement with the endless belt by means of a spring pressed guide member 4'6iwhich can beadjustably positioned along a rod 47. The lower forward edge of this guide member is bent downwardly and in: wandly toward the left in a manner to dirent the circular matter into the open envelop which is in position to receive it. The IOfllfllSO carries a guide or positioning membeu 4E7 that can berelied upon to control the longitudinal position of the circular mat her as it isbeing conveyed forwardly in a transverse direction. The continued feed of this circularmatter causes said circular mattertobend and: beinscrted almost entirely, if not entirely, within the envelop.

lit will be'ma-nifest from an inspection of Fig 2 that the circular matter has a some- \whla-tdown-Ward path While it is being moved forward and transversely from the nmgazine, but this movement is sometimes referred to herein as a substantially horizontal movement because the downward slope is relatively small. The envelop with its contents is now ready to be delivered fromthe machine and there is brought into Operation the mechanism 48 which engages the lower front face of the vertically and longitudinally extending envelop and forces the lower portion of the envelop transversely to the right into engagement with the belt 41 as shown in 9. The belt 41 is an endless continuously travelin belt, as will be manifest from an inspection of Fi 3, and consequently the filled envelop wil be conveyed longitudinally and horizontally from the. lace where it received its contents. This'push ng or pressing mechanism 48 preferably has antifriction rollers 49. These rollers are the arts which directly engage t-heeuwelo an they are carried in a swing- 55 ing'garm .0 pivetally mounted at 51. The

arm 50 may be considered as a lever arm since it is fulcrum-ed at 51 and has an extension, as 52, that is providedwith a depending end 53 connectedto a series of levers undcr the control of the stop or pin 29 that is on or connected to the pulley 19.

The construction ust referred to comprises a lever 54 pivotally' counted at 55 and held in normal position-by the tension of a spring 56. The lower free end 57 of the lever 54 is comicctedby means of a rod 58 to the depending end 53 previously referred to, A second lever 59 is pivotally mounted at 60. The lower free end-offthis lever 59 is connected by a pin 6], to the upper end of the lever 54, The upper end 62 of the lever 59 is arranged in the path of movement of the pin or stop 29 whereby at the proper time the pushing mechanism will come into play and thus perform its function. i

From what has preceded it will be manifest that the pin or stop performs two func tions; that of moving the lever 62 assm-iatcd with the pushing mechanism 48 and also of moving the lover or arm 30 that controls the dog orpawl 15. Instead of using one pin to accomplish these two functions it will bc manifest that a plurality of pins could be employed, the only essential requirement being that they be located so as to perfo 'm the desired function in the proper time rela tionship. Ordinarily the belt 21 serves ais a gearing between the pulleys IQa nd QQ, and the belt 24 serves as a gearing between the pulleys 22 and 23 and is suldcient to maintain the proper timed relation of the several parts. If however. it were desired to have more positive gearing between the pulleys of the several sets this could be accom plished as by means of chain and sprocket construction between the )u lleys or by any other suitable form of" gearing.

From what has preceded; it will also be observed that the e'nvelo is first released, that it is fed in a forward direction witlithe flap up ermost and at the rear, that the flap is then urned upwardly and lia ckfwar ly by suitable means as the envelo is move forwardly slightly decline path; that the envelo is bent in its continued inoyeme nt until t e body portion of the envelop ex tends vertically and longit dinally with the flap thereofuppermo st an bentbackward behind the vertical that at the proper time a piece or batch of circular matter is released from a ma azine and moved forwardly and finally ent downward wher by it can be and is fed into the' envelop, when positioned as areviously described) When the envelo hat received its contents and at a predeter ined time pushing-mechanism is brought into pla to cans longltudinally m0 s b i t ear r the 'vefl r which stil ii a vertically and longitudinall extending-position edgwisenom the pbsl tion where it received its contents. At the proper time another envelop is released from the bottom of the stack and the cycle of operations just described can be repeated.

The next function of the machine is to move the flap of the envelop to the final desired position relative to the body of the envelop. In theapparatus as constructed there is provided a longitudinally extending horn 63 which gradually decreases in crosssection in approaching the discharging end of the machine, as shown in Fig. 3. The horn is shown in perspective in Fig. 5 and in cross-section in Fig. 6. It is formed by bending the sheet of metal in the manner shown in Figs. 5 and 6 and it has a longitudinally extending slot as 64 along and through which there is moved in a longitudinal path the upper flap portion of the envelop, as this portion of the flap may be called. This slot may be considered as be ing provided in the wall portion of the horn. The shape of the horn is such that as an envelop. which has sides extending longitu dinally and vertically with the flap of the envelop uppermost, is passed longitudinally along and through the horn the flap of the envelop will be caused by the born to enter the body of the envelop in the space between the contents of the envelop on the one hand and the back of the envelop on the other hand.

This operation may be properly referred to as tucking the flap into the envelop. Dur ing this operation the circular matter within the envelop will be forced downwardly within the envelop if the contents is projecting above the upper or flap edge of the envelop. The member carrying the horn has a longitudinally extending groove portion 65 which engages the front of the envelop. The upper edge of the back of the envelop is engaged by the wall portion or edge portion 63 of the horn. The lower portion of the back of the envelop is controlled by one of the traveling belts and the position is such that the longitudinally extending rib 65 cooperates with the longitudinally extending wall or edge portion 63 and the belt 41 in a manner to impart a kink or bend in the envelop in the portion opposite the rib and in a manner tending to force the back of the envelop from the contents within the envelop, as shown in Fig. 6,

r and it will here be noted that at this time the upper end of the contents is held toward the front of the envelop by the lon itudinally extendin edge portion 63. T is enables the positioning of the envelop parts in such a manner that the flap can be readily directed by the horn into the space and in this manner be ultimately tucked to final position within the envelop.

It has previously been described how the envelop is moved from its, contents receiving position by the pushing mechanism 48 forcing the envelop and its contents into engagement with one of the longitudinally extending belts, to wit belt 41.

An inspection of Fig. 4- will make it clear that the pushing mechanism 48 does not engage the envelop throughout the entire longitudinal travel of the envelop. The envelop soon leaves this mechanism 48 but before doing so it enters the bite formed by the opposed endless traveling belts 41 and t2 which converge, as prevlously pointed out, before they approach the delivery or discharge end of the machine. At the delivery end of the machine thesebelts are normally in engagement with each other being carried on rollers 66 and 67 normally spring-pressed together, as is clear from an inspection of Figs. 3 and 7. As the rollers are spring-pressed, belts can readily adapt themselves to the conditions of the work. At the charging end of the machine. as the magazine end of the machine may be called, the rollers carrying the longitudinal extending belts are designated by 68 and 69. These rollers are geared together as by gears 70 and 71 and receive the power for driving by means of shaft 72 and bevel-gear 73, the latter of which is in mesh with gear 74 that is connected to the shaft 20 carrying the pulley 20.

The member 37 may be carried on a longitudinally extending bar 75 and to this bar the trough 40 previously described can be adjustably secured in a manner to facilitate vertical adjustment of the latter, if desired. The upper surface 40" of the trough 40 is in alinement with the upper surface of a guide member 76 along which the envelop travels as it is conveyed from the position in the machine where it receives its contents longitudinally from the machine. This stop or guide member 76 is relied upon to oppose any downward thrust which is imparted to the envelop due to the tucking in of the flap by means of the horn as the envelop is moved longitudinally through the horn. This guide member 76 is carried by a suit able housing made of sheet metal which is shown in part in cross-section in Fig. 5. A side view of one of these housings is clearly shown in Fig. 4 and from this last-mentioned figure it will be manifest that the guide member 76 is adjustably secured in place in the lower portion of this housing whereby the desired vertical adjustment can be attained.

The words circular matter as used herein are to be broadly construed as meaningany type of mailing matter which is to be automatically fed toward and inserted into the envelop.

The improvements herein set forth are not limited to the precise construction and arrangement shown and described for they ll U may be embodiedin various forms and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. An apparatus for use in positioning an envelop flap which apparatus comprises a longitlulinally extending guide member and a longitudinally extending tapering horn having a longitudinally extending slot in the wall portion thereof, which horn is so arranged relatively to the guide member and is so shaped that by moving an envelop along the guide member with thefinp portion of the envelop extending into the horn the flap of the envelop will be tucked into the envelop.

2. An apparatus for use in positioning an envelop flap which apparatus comprises a longitudinally extending guide member, an associated longitudinally extending tapering horn having a longitudinally extending slot in the wall portion thereof, and a longitudinally extending rib or member arranged so as to engage the front of the envelop and bend it toward the back whereby the front and back Will be separated in a manner to facilitate the tucking of the flap into the envelop by the horn.

3. In combination a longitudinally extending guide member, a longitudinally extending horn connected thereto and ar ranged thereover, a longitudinally extending slot in the lower wall portion of the horn, and a longitudinal-1y extending rib or member between the guide member and the horn and arranged so as to engage and slightly bend or curve the front of the envelop toward the back of the envelop, the construction of the horn being such that the flap of the envelop will be tucked into the envelop as the envelop entering the horn is moved along the guide member.

4. In combination a longitudinally ex-- tending guide member, a longitudinally ex tending horn connected thereto and an ranged thereove'r, a slot in the lower Wall portion of the horn to permit the entrance of the flap portion of an envelop as the envelop is moved longitudinally along the guide member, and a longitudinally extending rib or member located between the guide member and an edge of the hernand arranged so as to engage and slightly bend the front of the'envelop, the construction of the horn being such that the flap of the envelop will be tucked into the envelop as the en velop is moved through the horn.

5-, An apparatus of the class described comprising in combination a storage magazine for envelope, another storage magazine for circular matter, an endless feeding belt and pulleys therefor for conveying an envelop from its storage magazine at one side of the machine toward the center of the ma: chine with the closed long edge of who vel'op foremost and with the back of the em velop uppermost, means for ausing an opening of the flap of the envelop as thus conveyld, means for deflecting the closed long edge of the envelop down wardly, means for arresting the downward movement of the cnvulop when in a position where the circular matter can be inserted therein, there living means for holding back the flap which. is at th" top of the envelop during the time the circular matter is being inserted in the envelop, means for conveying the circular matter from its storage magazine and for inserting said circular matter into the envelop, and means for moving the envelop into which the contents has been inserted longitudinally along a gradually tapering born into which the upper or flap portion of the envelop extends, the mnstruction of the horn being such that during said movement the flap of the envelop will be tucked into the envelop between the contents thcrcof and the back of the envelop.

6. An apparatus of the (lass dcs rib d comprising in combination a storage magazine for envelops, another storage magazine for circular matter, an envelop feeding pawl, mechanism for conveyil'ig an envelop released by said envelop feeding pawl from one side of the machine toward the outer of the machine, means for opening the flap of the envelop as conveyed, means for de fleeting the forward ends of the envelop downwardly, means for arresting the downward movement of the envelop when in a position where the circular matter can be inserted therein, a circular matter feeding pawl, mechanism for conveying the circular matter when released by said circular matter feeding pawl from the other side of the machine and for inserting the circular matter into the envelop, and means for moving the envelop with the contents therein longitudinally along and through a tapering horn into which the upperportion of the envelop extends, the construction of the horn being such thatthe flap of the envelop will be tucked into the envelop between the contents thereof and the inner side of the back of 'the envelop.

7. An apparatus of the class described comprising in combination a storage magazine for envelope and in which the envelope are placed with the flaps of the envelop uppermost and at the rear side of the magazine, a feed catch or pawl at the forward leweredge of'the magazine, feeding means comprising a continuous belt that travels over a pulley arranged with the axis of the pulley below the forward ed 'e of the magazine, means associated with the feeding means and said pawl or catch for periodinlly releasing an envelop at th bottom of the stack whereby it can be fed forwardly Bantam; engagement with the confine one belt of the feeding means, the construction of said feeding means bein such that that portion of the belt which its the envelop slopes forwardly and slightly downwardly, and an envelop guiding or engaging member arranged above the belt so as to hold the body of the envelop against the belt and the rear edge of whir h guiding or engaging member is shaped so as to engage the underside of the flap in a manner to effect a turning back of the flap as the envelop moves forward.

8. An apparatus of the class described comprising in combination companion transversely extending endless belts, the upper operative surface of one of which belts extends transversely and downwardly and feeds an envelop forwardly and in one direction as to the right, the upper operative surface of the other of which belts extends transversely and downwardly and feeds circular matter forwardly and in an opposite direction as to the left, a guiding or engaging member above the envelop feeding belt and arranged to defl ct the forward closed edge of an envelop downwardly as the belt conveying the envelop turns about its inner guide pulley, a stop arranged below the space between the adjacent portion of the companion belts, the position of the guide member over the belt and of the stop being such that the stop arrests the downward movement of the envelop in a position where the circular matter can be inserted into the envelop but so that the guide member over the belt will hold the free end of the flap backward, and a guide member over the belt for conveying the circular matter which guide member is shaped so that it deflects the forward end of the circular matter downwardly into the envelop when the envelop has been positioned to receive it.

9. An apparatus of the class described comprising in combination transversely extending belts, the upper surface of one of which belts extends inwardly and downwardly and feeds an envelopl forwardly and in one direction as to the rig t and the upper surface of which companion belts extends inwardly and downwardly and feeds circular matter forwardly and in an opposite direction as to the left, a guiding member arranged above the envelop feeding belt and arranged to deflect the forward closed edge of an envelop downwardly as the belt conveying the envelop turns about its inner pulley, a stop arranged in the space between the adjacent portion of the companion belts so as to limit the downward travel of the envelop, the position of the guide member over the belt and of the stop being such that the stop arrests the downward movement of the envelop in a position where the circular matter can be inserted into the envelop but so that the guide member over the belt will hold the rear free end of the flap backward, and a guide over the belt for conveying the circular matter, which guide member is shaped so that it deflects the forward end of the circular matter downwardly into the en velop after the envelop has been thus positioned, said machine also having a guide member which enters the space between said. endless belts and the upper end of which guide member extends upwardly and backwardly in a manner to strip the forward edge of the envelop from its feeding belt prior to the body of the envelop being fed vertically downwardly.

10. An apparatus of the class described comprising in combination transversely extending belts arranged so that the upper surface of one belt extends inwardly and downwardly and feeds an envelop forwardly and in one direction as to the right and the upper surface of the companion belt extends inwardly and downwardly and feeds circular matter forwardly and in another direction as to the left, a guiding member above the envelop feeding belt and arranged to deflect the forward closed edge of an envelop downwardly as the belt conveying the envelop turns about one of its uide pulleys, a stop arranged in the space etween the adjacent portion of the companion belts so as to limit the downward travel of the envelo the position of the guide member over t e envelop feeding belt and of the stop being such that the stop arrests the downward move ment of the envelop in a position. where the circular matter can be inserted into the envelop but so that the guide member over the belt will hold the rear free end of the flap backward, a guide member over the belt for conveying the circular matter which guide member is shaped so that it deflects the forward end of the circular matter downwardly into the envelop after the envelop has been thus positioned, said machine also havin a guide member which enters the space etween said endless belts, the upper end of which guide member extends upwardly and backwardly in a manner to strip the forward edge of the envelop from its feeding belt prior to the body of the envelop being fed vertically downwardly, and means for feeding the envelop from the position where it receives its contents.

11. A machine of the class described comprising in combination a pair of adjacent longitudinally extending pulleys over each of which there moves a continuous belt, an envelop feeding belt which travels over one of said pulleys, a circular matter feedin belt which travels over the other of said pu leys, a guide member or envelop releasin memher which extends into the space etween said belts and which is bent into engagement with the envelop feeding belt so as to insure a moving of the envelop from the belt as the envelop is moved along by the belt, an envelop guiding member arranged to engage and deflect the envelop as it moves along the belt and over said first mentioned guide member or releasing member, a stop for limiting the movement of the envelop when it reaches a certain position between said belts, a circular matter guiding member for deflecting the circular matter into the envelop when the envelop is in a position to receive it and as the circular matter is fed toward and into the envelop, and means for feeding the envelop and its contents longitudinally in a horizontal direction.

12. A machine of the class described comprising in combination a pair of adjacent longitudinally extending pulleys over which there moves continuous belts, a continuous envelo feeding belt which travels over one of saitl pulleys, a continuous circular matter feeding belt which travels over the other of said pulleys, a guide member or releasing member which extends into the space between said belts and which is bent into ongagement with the envelop feeding belt so as to insure a lifting of the envelop from the belt as it moves along with the belt, an envelop guiding member arranged to engage and deflect the envelop as it moves along the belt and over said guide or releasing memher, a stop for limiting the movement of the envelop when it reaches a certain position between said belts, a circular matter guiding member for deflecting the circular matter into the envelop when the envelop is in a position to receive it and as the circular matter is fed toward and into the envelop, and means for feeding the envelop and its contents longitudinally in a horizontal direction with the contents in the envelop, said longitudinal feeding means, said envelop feeding means, said circular matter feeding means and said means for moving the envelop with the circular matter therein being operated from a common source of power and in timed relationship with respect to each other.

13. A machine of the class described comprising in combination an envelop feeding pawl, a continuous envelop feeding belt, a circular matter feeding pawl, a continuous circular matter feeding belt, an envelop releasing member which extends into the space between said belts and which is bent into engagement with the envelop feeding belt so as to insure a moving of the envelop from the belt as the envelop moved by the belt, an envelop guiding member arranged to engage and deflect the envelop as it is moved by the belt over the envelop releasing memher, a stop for limiting the movement of the envelop when it reaches a certain position between said belts, a circular matter guiding member for deflecting the circular matter into the envelop when the envelop is in a position to receive it and as the circular matter is fed toward and into the envelop, and means for feedin the envelop and its contents longitudinailly, said envelop feeding pawls, said envelop feeding means, said circular matter feeding pawls, said circular matter feeding pawls and said means for moving the envelop with the circular matter therein longitudinally being operated from a common source of power and in timed relationship with respect to each other.

14. An apparatus of the class described comprising in combination means for bringing an envelop to a: position where circular matter can be inserted therein, means for inserting the circular matter within the envelop, and means for moving the envelop in a longitudinal direction through a horn that engages the flap of the envelop and which is arranged so as to tuck the flap of the en velop between the inner side of-the back of the envelop and the circular matter within the envelop.

This specification si nod and witnessed this 8th day of March, A D. 1918.

FLORENCE MoCAR-THY.

Signed in the presence of- G. MeG-RANN, EDWIN A. PACKARD.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 0. 

